The Knowledge Board:
Hypercholesterolemia
Hi I'm Belinda I'm your community manager at The Patients Voice.
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Thanks very much for dropping in to the latest ResBlog (online research web log) from
The Patients Voice. For this research we are concentrating on the area of Hypercholesterolaemia or challenges related to high Cholesterol, its impact on you and your family’s life, and treatment options.
Thirty years ago worrying about Cholesterol was virtually unknown. Since then it has become a major health issue. But how important is it? And how effective are the treatments? In particular how useful has statin therapy been in reducing cholesterol levels?
This debate has been explored in Dr. Malcolm Kendrik’s book The Great Cholesterol Con. You can read an excellent review in Drs. Michael and Mary Dan Eades blog here,
For this ResBlog we are inviting both sufferers (and their families) as well as healthcare professionals to contribute their views and opinions on this whole area.
We would like to focus on the following questions:-
• Some background. Are you a sufferer, carer or in the medical professions? What is your experience of Hypercholesterolaemia from either ( or both) points of view?
• What sort of treatment have you been offered or provided to others? How would you rate the effectiveness of that treatment in particular the use of statins if that was given?
• What if any is your experiences with diet or alternative therapies?
• Finally do you have any opinions or thoughts about the kinds of opinions expressed in The Great Cholesterol Con? Does this agree (or not) with your general experience of high cholesterol?
This blog allows you to tell your high cholesterol story. While the above questions are the framework of this research, please always bear in mind everything you say is important to us. So please feel free to share anything you think is relevant with you fellow ResBloggers.
Please feel free to check back on the blog to see what others have said and perhaps contribute further thoughts. We do recommend you bookmark this page. Or why not tag it using del.icio.us?
To participate all you need to do is type a nickname of your choice and then put your comments into the box. Your comments are anonymous of course!
We look forward to reading your comments and, of course, thank you very much for your input.
Belinda | 05/06/2007 10:29:00
Thanks for coming by Please note we have use the Uk spelling for the blog ie Hypercholesterolaemia However Hypercholesterolemia is also correct so please iuse the one you prefer
Catherine Cook | 07/06/2007 11:03:00
I was told I had high cholesterol 4 years ago, told to diet, not given a sheet just told to cut down on fats and put on medication "Simvastatin" I had lots of joint pain after this and was told it would go away when I had lost weight.I'm 5'8 and was 12 stone not grossly obese but a little over the top. Last year I developed bowel cancer and with surgery and so many other drugs to take I stopped the Simvastatin without consulting my GP. When I completed my chemo I confessed to my GP and she said to go back on the Simvastatin. A week later I was suffering from severe joint pain, had a aguement with the GP and stopped the Simvastatin again. My joints are now pain free. Has anyone else had this effect. my levels have now reached normal so I shall keep to my own food regime.
Ray Percival | 07/06/2007 11:23:00
I was told that i had high cholesterol by my gp it was 7.5 so my doc gave me simvastatin at 40mg taken at night befor bed and i eat lots of fruit and veg now my cholesterol is 3.8 and this is after 18 months so it works,with no joint pain or other side effects ,so if you have high cholesterol go see your GP and see about simvastatin and look after your heart and your kids won't lose you.
Terry in Cambridgeshire | 07/06/2007 11:32:00
Have been taking Simvastatin for about three years now. Have not had any illeffect. My blood levels have been within normal limits all the time. diet wise I am not a great red meat eater and tend to settle for chicken and fish. Fruits and vegetables are also on the menu all the time. I am not a great coffee drinker and happy to say I am a totally alcohol free tea totler. I do not smoke either and at 56 my only "bad" habit is a love for sex.
Judy Blake | 07/06/2007 11:33:00
Question for Catherine. Can you please tell us more about your successful food ergime as I eat very low fat and have not had any results. I really don't want to take medication if at all possible. Good to hear you beat the bowel cancer!!
Mrs Anne Jeanette Walker -Airey | 07/06/2007 11:35:00
YES! I had a heart attack in 1997, leaving me with a restricted life style and went up to 18 stone at 5' 8". I then had angina, high colesterol, and joint pain in back, knees and hands! I stopped all tablets (except GTN) for two weeks to take antibiotics and Tramadol - the pain went away. The doctor put me back on my tablets incl. Simvastatin and the pain is back worse than before! I am stopping Simvastatin today - thanks to you!!!
Jackie Turner | 07/06/2007 12:31:00
I have constantly suffered from high cholesterol in spite of taking care with diet. Finally I persuaded my GP to give me a statin but it was no help. She then contacted me after a blood test to say guide lines had changed so she needed to get my cholesterol down! Now I am taking Rosuvastatin and it has been effective.
jeanette from N.I | 07/06/2007 12:35:00
I was 56 when I was diagnosed with high cholestrol. I had an active lifestyle and healthy diet. I only weighed 8stand am 5'1. I was not told what to change my diet to but got even healthier with my diet and was put on statins. I felt really ill and came off them as they made no difference to my cholestrol count. I tried another two statins befor e giving up. At a later stage another dr put me on Ezetrol which had less side effects. Oddly enough I have had a lot of joint pain but have not thought that the two may be connected. My cholestrol count came down a bit but I have not had it tested for months and so do not know if it is at an accebtable level now.
Jackie | 07/06/2007 12:39:00
I am also on Simvastatin. My doctor agrees that it may be adding to my already painful arthritis, but thinks the trade-off is worthwhile as it has brought my cholesterol levels down successfully. This is easy for him to say ! My mobility has become worse since I started taking it, and I am never out of pain. But I have the GP and a Consultant, both telling me they know best and frankly I just don't know what to do. So I am going to a gym daily for some cycling and rowing exercises, and when I have got myself fitter I may be brave enough to stop taking them. Catherine's letter made me stop and think.
Christine | 07/06/2007 12:44:00
Have had high cholesterol levels for many years now. Was at 8.2, went on Simvastatin and increased exercise . I already ate healthily but tried even harder, but cholesterol remained high after 4 months, although the ratio between HDL and LDL was always good. Went on a trial of Questran but I didn't like that, tried going on and off then on Simvastatin for a while and have now been on Atorvastatin for about 4 years and cholesterol is 4.6. The only side effect I got was very vivid dreams on Simvastatin, pleasant ones so quite disappointing when they stopped! I have been having half a grapefruit every day for about a year and have heard that this enhances the effect of statins but don't know if this is medically proven. Hope you all know to take the medication immediately after the main meal, whenever that is.
Patil | 07/06/2007 12:49:00
I was diagnosed with high cholesterol about 4 years ago, 8.5 to be precise. I am 47 yrs, 5 ft 11 ins and weighs 11.5 stones, perfect for my height. I exercised a lot and watched what I eat, but because I am of Asian origin I was predisposed to high cholesterol. I was prescribed Simvastatin 30mg which reduced my Cholesterol to 4.5 but it had an adverse effect on my liver function test, so it was changed to Artovastatin and my cholesterol is still around 4.0. I am also a health professional and have on my caseloads a few patients who have high cholesterol but GP's always recommend dieting instead of prescribing Statins.
alan | 07/06/2007 12:57:00
I had high bordering on very high cholesterol just over a year ago. I went on a fat free diet, was given a blood thinning tablet to use permanently and semed to be OK. My reading was just over the normal/high level, so I was given a statin to try. After 3 months I was hospitalised with screaming headache, acute sleepiness, nil energy. I refused more statin, kept to the diet , and so far all seems to be well. I was given another tablet ( high dose painkiller) to take if I felt an attack coming on, has now been 6 months since I had any problems. Statins are the last resort.
Sam | 07/06/2007 13:05:00
I was 32 when it was found my cholestrol was at 12.5 and climbing. I was told it was genetic and that I would need to take medication always to keep it down. I do try to watch my fat intake. simvastatin didn't do much good and atorvastatin did little better so it was finally decided I should go on Rosuvastatin and this has helped my cholestrol stay around 7.5 which my gp expects is about as good as it's going to get. I didn't experience joint pain but I do have a lot of memory loss which I have been told could be down in part to the statins
Heather, Scotland | 07/06/2007 13:10:00
I was diagnosed 6 years ago with cholesterol of 12.2 only reason I had it done was that I worked in a clinical trial and just got one of the research nurses to check it. I was given no diet advice although I saw a consultant as I was healthy. However 3 years ago because of my age, 64, I was put on atorvastatin and chol is now down to 6.8. No side effects that I have noticed however a year ago I have had mobility problems and now diagnosed with probable MS. I don't know if there is any connection and health professionals do not give me any feedback just say as my BP is high now drug controlled I have to take statins continually.
Catherine | 07/06/2007 13:17:00
I found out I had high cholesterol a couple of years ago. I felt really poorly for months before managed to get Doctor to do a check for Diabetes and Cholesterol. Was put on Astorvastin which seemed to help but about 9 months ago it was changed to Simvastin(a cheaper version of astorvastatin). Within days I had muscular pain and joint pain. Eyesight problems were really bad and I thought I was losing my sight completely. Genital itching yet no sign of infection, skin itching all over my body and scalp. I scratched so much I was covered in bruises and began to wonder if I had cancer. Finally doctor realised it was the simvastin that was causing all the problems only when I refused to leave his surgery till he had given me a through exam and a proper consultation covering all the problems. Found out the following week when the doctor insisted I go back for another checkup that I had come very close to a heart attack. Haven't taken anything for months now, feel much better but know I have to have another test to see what the result is of not taking any medication. They have told me my problem is genetic so will come back. Have been informed that Super Soya (Soya Lecthin) is wonderful for reducing cholesterol and cheaper than prescription charges. My ex husband has just died suddenly and unexpectly, he was taking simvastin and had heart problems and the cause of death was heart failure! In letters he left he spoke of aches and pains and paranoia, my sister had exactly the same side effects as me and had to come off the tablets. The problem for us is that we have had this passed to us and not caused it so no matter how well we look after ourselves it is not going away. Diet and exercise only help in a small way.
Gillian | 07/06/2007 13:20:00
I have had high cholesterol for several years now, I was initially told by my docotor that my cholesterol was high, but not told what to do about it, It was when I had a mild heart attack that the docotors in the hospital put me on Lipitor, so now i take 10mg every night and have not had any trouble since then, i do watch my fat and salt intake, but being diabetic i am used to watching what i eat so it is no hardship. I feel that too many doctors do not follow up with things like border line diabetics, also those with slightly high BP and Cholesterol, this is what happened to me and i ended up with having to take medication for all three. I think people should be much more informed from an earlyish age about the dangers of not having a good diet, althopugh many develope High Cholesterol even with the perfect diet, maybe better monitoring would be the answer.
Meg | 07/06/2007 14:26:00
After 5 of my brothers died at quite early ages from sudden heart attacks, the rest of us had our choleesterol checked. Mine was found to be in the teens and I was put on medication and a very restricted diet immediately. (This was in the early '90's.) Atorvastatin has kept my familial hypocholesterol levels down to a level considered good for me. I still had to undergo a bypass for clogged arteries and subsequent angioplastys (?) The diet is boring but I try very hard to eat healthily; the example of my brothers' deaths spurs me on.
jools | 07/06/2007 14:40:00
I have had high cholesterol for a few years, and the doctor prescribe atrovostatin 10mg, the cholestrol went down, but then he made it 20mg, the cholesterol is now 4.5, and I am starting to get slight pain in my joint even though I do quite a bit of exercise.
JJJ | 07/06/2007 15:18:00
Interesting reading the comments, I was said to have high cholestrol of 6.5 and put on simvastin 20mg. I have not notiched any side affects with these at present but only been on them two weeks. The blood test was OK. I have also been given a small apsrin to take in the morning. I never considered myself as to have high colestral as was always keen to have a low fat diet. But I do not excercise much. I am 67 and 5'10 tall and my weight is good. I was also put on a high bllod presurer tablet which gave me bad tinnitus and do not take them anymore. By reading some of you comments I do see that my cholestrol is that high.
jjjj | 07/06/2007 15:22:00
I have just been told I have high cholestrol of 6.5 after reading your comments I do not see that is that high. I am in simvastin 20mg and a small asprin. I am 67 5.10 and my weight is excellent.but I do not excercise much. I have always been conscious of fat content in my diet.
Janice | 07/06/2007 15:58:00
I have had high cholesterol for about 5 years I was put on 20mg of atervastatin and everything was fine then my doctor changed my tablets to 80mg dose of simvastatin and I have leg cramps aching calfs and itching all over I asked why I had to take such a high dose and was told its because the simvastatin are not as strong as atorvastatin I cannot see the sense in taking you off a tablet that suits you to put you on one that causes these problems also I have put on weight and cannot seem to lose it no matter what diet I try
Tina | 07/06/2007 16:32:00
as a health professional, I do have more patients complainig of side-effects from simvastatin than the other statins, but we are expected to supply the cheapest option.
Helen | 07/06/2007 17:04:00
I have had high cholesterol for a few years now and have been on Simvastin. I have had quite a lot of headaches and a great deal of pain in some of my joints. But I just put it down to my arthritis. I have also been diagnosed as diabetic but not on any form of insulin. It is controled by diet only. My gp put my headaches down to stress, and the pain in my joints he has put down to my arthitis, but after what I have read here I am begining to wonder if it is the simvistatin. So I am going to ask my gp if it could be the tablets.
Glo | 07/06/2007 17:08:00
I have been on 40mg Simvastatin for years. I have no idea what level of cholestral I have. I was originally put on 20mg because of a family history of heart attacks, stroke and high blood pressure. I have had a small stroke which did not leave me with any real problems. I was getting a lot of chest pain and admitted to hospital a couple of times. It was decided there that if I took 40mg this would help the chest pains. To date I don't know any difference. I have other health problems so they may make me confused as to what my real problem is. I never have any checks done of my cholesteral levels and have been given no dietry advice. I am overweight and have been told that this is mainly due to the high doses of Steroids I take. I have terrible aches and pains in my joints and use crutches to walk. my joints are getting worse but I'm scared to complain too much as I get the feeling the doctors think I am imagining the sore muscles and joints and and no one bothers about the terrible cramps in my hands, feet and chest. Luckily they don't all cramp at the same moment. I also have problems with pain in the lower left side of my abdomen and have been admitted twice and given pain control. No tests have been made as to why. I aslo vomit at times when my abdomen feels sore.I don't know any more what is due to side effects of the tablets and what is not, and no-one seems to want to know or find out. I am sometimes tempted to stop taking them but Iam scared of another maybe worse stroke.
was on simvastatin for about10 yrs then changed top lipicor, am scared to do with out tem even though muy last reading was 4.8 which is good i think am type 2 diabetic as wel, as for aches and pains i can never identify when or what causes pains, i just feel awful sluggish and old yet am inly 53
iused to take simvastin and it didnot help to lower my cholestral levels much But was unable to tolerate a larger dose due pain and cramps in my joints and muscles have been on Atorvastin for a couple of years this does not cause so many problems as the Simvastin. I am Lucky as my G.P. is willing to fund this
meg | 07/06/2007 18:04:00
My father died aged 50 in 1963 from his first MI. PM showed he had arteriosclerosis, he was a 20 a day unfiltered smoker. My mum's highest lipid level was 13 when she had an MI aged 78 in 1995, she was put on a statin. My lipids were 8.5, my GP put me on Simvastatin 30mg and it came down to 5.6. I have lost just over 2 stones in the last 2 months on the lighterlife diet and my lipids 2 weeks ago were down to 3!! I am a retired practice nurse and plenty of our patients who were deemed to be in cardiac risk categories were on a statin mostly with good effect. I wait with interest to see how my own lipid levels fare once I return to eating food again
Brianedin | 07/06/2007 18:13:00
I was diagnosed with high cholesterol about 4 years ago and not given any dietary advice except eat sensibly and put on atorvastatin20mg.I was told that no matter how good your diet was your body just keeps on producing cholesterol and the only control was by the expensive "statins" which were on the market and GP's were advised to prescribe only for the more serious cases.After the year of taking the 20mg.I was put on a 40mg.dose and now my reading is 3.8 and I have not experienced any side effects as with some of your writers although I just put my aches and pains down to age.I am 59,male,over 17stone and play golf at least 4times every week.Also take blood pressure tablets but generally quite healthy.
Yvonne Waller | 07/06/2007 18:48:00
I was diagnosed with high cholestero 12 years ago, was prescribed Simvastatin & have been on it ever since. I have suffered joint pains for much of this time but never thought that it could be caused by this medication.I am now registered disabled & walk with 2 canes. I am not saying that the drug is to blame but I will certainly speak to my Dr about changing it. I have also found that when my chemist gave me a different brand of the tablets the pain got worse & I had an upset stomach, luckily my chemist always give me the same brand all the time since I spoke to him about it. I would advise anyone who has a problem with their medication to consult their pharmacist they are far more knowledgable about drugs than GPs
MARGARET | 07/06/2007 19:15:00
i was told that i have high cholestrol but its not what i eat its my body thats producing it.i take 40mg pravastatin at night.i've had no obvious side effects.i was also told to cut out any bad fats,which i have but my cholestrol is still too high.the last time i was tested it was just over 6.i really don't know what else i can do to reduce this anymore,i eat the products which is supposed to help lower it but i dont think they do as good as they are supposed to.i'm also diabetic,have angina,chest problems and osteoarthritic.
Margaret Edwards | 07/06/2007 20:04:00
I suffer from Type 2 diabetes. Have done so for more than 12 years. On first being diagnosed, I was told to control this it with diet and was not offered any kind of medication. I did so untill my Optician insisted that I be included on the Diebetic Register so that he coiuld be reinbursed by the NHS for carrying out a complete diabetic eye test. At that time, my GP, having beein advised that I had been entered on the Diabetic Register, prescribed Metformin for control of diabetes and Simvastatin for control of cholesterol. While accepting his prescriptions, at that time I had no other symptoms whatsoever. As soon as I began to take simvastatin, I developed sciatica and was prescribed considerable doses of painkillers to control it. The symptons worsened and included muscle cramps, joint pain and muscle weakness. I complained about these symptoms and was told that "my body would get used to it" and that " I must take the drug". Measurements over a period of time indicated that the original dosage of 40mg per day taken at night were not working and the dose was doubled to 80mg per day taken at night. The consequence of this double dose very shortly became insupportable and I was all but crippled by sciatica (apparently), cramps and joint pain, made worse by headaches, blurred vision, nausea and completely anti-social flatulence. My research on the internet has taught me that not only are these symptoms common but that the medical profession has known of them for some time. Why should our medical practictioners be allows to prescribe drugs which make our lives a misery when there must be other treatments available?
I have been on statins for nearly four years and, although my cholesterol has reduced dramatically, I do not think it is due to the tablets but to my change to a low fat diet.
baz wheat | 07/06/2007 22:19:00
I am on simvastatin and I do get pain in my joints at times but until now I had not realised it could be connected to the Simvastatin
clyde webber | 07/06/2007 22:47:00
i am 50yrs old and alllways been over weight i felt unwell for ages i would not go to the doctores untill one day i was in so much pain i whent to see my gp i had an mot on my health he dsiagnoised high blood pressure high cholesterrol im on simavastatin betablockers pain killers etc he sID IF I DID NOT START TO LOOK AFTER MYSELF I WOULD HAVE A STROKE OR AN HEART ATTACK AND WOULD DIE ACTION WAS NEEDED I TAKE ALL MY MEDICATION REGULARE I HAVE LOST LOADS OF WEIGHT I AM KNOW BEGING TO FEEL MUCM BETTER IN MYSELF EAT HEALEY IS THE ANSWEAR IT WAS NOT EASY BUT IT WAS WORTH IT
Joan | 07/06/2007 23:01:00
My doctor prescribed Atorvastatin to reduce my cholestorol levels which I know from various tests in the past was not particularly high (between 5.4 and 5.6 for many years) - it is now down to 3.4. Two weeks ago I received a letter from my doctor to say that my medication would be changed at next repeat to Simvastatin. I have heard so many bad reports of this cheap drug that I am reluctant to accept it and my doctor agreed that it would not be changed; at the next repeat however it was changed ... interview with doctor next Tuesday. I suffer with Spinal Stenosis, Diabetes II, Hypertension, Hypothyroidism, overweight and often experience aching limbs and joints. A question ... surely it would be 'cheaper' for the NHS to provide the better even if more expensive drug Atorvastatin if their patients suffer less side effects than if they keep coming for painkillers, tests, appointments etc??
June Carter | 08/06/2007 00:34:00
As a retired nurse diabetes specialist I am aware very much of the the problems of "High Cholestrol"having been aware from a patients point of view and also from my own having been diagnosed on a random test of 8+ cholestrol. Having had two TIA's and a PE plus a DVT I became quickly aware of the need for help,I was placed on Simvostatin which was dreadful I felt so ill.After refusing to take this anymore I was commenced on Atorvastatin,Which I have been on for a long time without ill effect. My last cholestrol reading was in the THREE'S.
QED | 08/06/2007 06:32:00
Was diagnosed with familiai hyper cholesteraemia in 1983 - my uncles had all died in their 50s of heart attacks. At diagnosis my reading was over 13. I do not report any of the symptoms that other contributors do - despite being 80mg and recently mistakenly doubling up this dose on holiday recently. I can only say that for me statins were a god send compared to the massive doses of Questran and other non effective drugs I used through the 80s and the early 90s. My cholestrol is around 4.5 and I find that Benecol lite is a useful supplement. I also take Ezetimide. I have had an angioplasty but am still active - skiing, cycling and regular gym - I think this is essential and am lucky that joint pain symptoms are not experienced
colin hughes | 08/06/2007 11:05:00
My doc told me my cholesterol was high at 6.8 but then my son's headmaster told me his was above 7. I was on statins - lipitor for a while but the doc said I didnt have to take them for ever - it was just a good idea to de-fur for a few months. I dont have much faith in GP's - they are just medical handymen who diagnose on a trial and error basis. Anyway, gotta go - need to make an appointment with my GP.
Dave | 08/06/2007 14:23:00
I have been on simvastatin for nearly 15 months since I found out through blood test that my cholestrol was high.I know these statins are the cheap model, but my cholestrol has now dropped down to normal figures and I don't appear to have any side effects yet(fingers crossed) My GP is pretty good and seems to know what she is talking about and has told me if I carry the way I am going and watch my diet I may be able to come of the tablets.
Janine - Rochdale | 08/06/2007 19:14:00
My mother and grandmother had familia hypercholestrolaemia, but unfortunately both died at the age of 62. When my mother discovered she had high cholesterol over 25 years ago it was 17.2! The Doctor could not believe she had not had a stroke or a heart attack. Both my mother and grandmother had many flat peach blemishes around the eyes, a sign of high cholestrerol and it was only by luck my mother had gone to the doctors regarding something else that the Doctor asked how long she had had these blemishes. She had them since her teens! (she lived on a farm and brought up on full fat milk, butter and cream) She was put on a strict low fat diet and disgusting granules which she mixed with orange juice and had to take 3 times a day, and her cholestrerol came down to 11.3. Unfortunately, she died 4 years later after a minor operation and developing a blood clot. which was due to the high cholesterol. All the family was tested and myself, sister and brother all had raised cholesterol levels.. I am on lipostat and the level remains stable at about 6.5/7, I eat a low fat diet and I am 47 years of age. I did try many statins but suffered with headaches and joint and muscle ache. I only take 1 25mg of lipostat, if I increase it I begin to suffer with the headaches again. My sister refuses to take any statins as they did not agree with her and her cholestrerol is about the same as mine but she lives on rice, vegetables,fish and fruit. My brother takes Zocor.
silvia | 10/06/2007 17:36:00
I was told that I have very high cholesterol levels about two years ago but my GP advised me against statins so I can only try to improve my diet.
PranabMitra | 11/06/2007 12:33:00
In 1998 I started suffering from Angina; so bad , it felt like an elephant was sitting on my chest. I was unable to breath, everything used to go dark. Even slight effort needed me to use the GTN Spray to be able to breath again.Even after Bypass surgery, my cholestorel was high,and was prescribed Simvaststin, which reduced it a bit. Then the Cardilogist started on 10mg Atorvastin (Lipitor) taken at night. And reduced fat intake in the diet and regular excercise has reduced my cholestorel to 3.2 !! I am a lot fitter person feel 20 years younger ; thanks to the surgery and the tablets.
Jamie Wynne | 11/06/2007 15:18:00
My dad's side of the family have had prevelent high cholestrol, his two sisters have it and were prescribed Lipator but had to stop because of the effects it had on their liver. My dad had the same and refused medication and his level stayed high mostly because he didn't watch what he ate. last July he passed due to a massive heart attack at the age of 73. As for myself December 06 doctor told me my cholestrol was 5.2 which was moderate but only wanted to write me prescription right away but I said no I wanted to try on my own instead of the risk of all the side effects and damage possible to use these medications. I was overweight and lost 50 lbs and lowered my level to 2.89 which is perfect the doctor was amazed. How did I do this well I did alot of research and developed a daily regeim starting with oatmeal in the morning with bran physllum and using only skim milk. Lunch time have a salad with salad dressing made with olive oil and lemon juice, and make a fruit smoothie with orange juice and a variety of fruits and always put blueberries ,usually frozen also for their cholestrol lowering properties. I also eat 2 whole carrots a day,a apple and flaxseed meal 2 Tablespoons in my smoothies because if you heat the flax it looses its' nutrients. In the evening I have chicken, or fish with vegetables. always use whole grain breads 2 slices a day. As for supplements the only one I use is Milk Thistle with dandelion root and Tumeric which detoxify the liver an improve function it work for me after 2 months and Ihave not found it hard to stick to it. I've been a huge chocoholic all my life and I missed it in the beginning but I find the fruits reduce my craving but I do indulge one a week with a treat. I'm happy with my outcome and believe that any one can lower their cholestrol on their own without the dangerous medications that are out there today.
Peter Leckstein | 12/06/2007 08:45:00
Family history: father (60), brother (63) and numerous other male relatives died from Coronary thrombosis. In 2000 I was diagnosed with ischaemic heart disease and underwent by pass surgery resulting in 5 CAB grafts. High cholesterol had been identified previously and diet prescribed but to little effect. After surgery several type of statins tried to reduce cholesterol but all with limited effectiveness, even at highest dosage. Referral to clinical biochemistry at Royal Free Hospital led to diagnosis of type III hyperlipidoemia and I was placed on a mix of fish oil capsules (Omacor), fenobibrate (Supralip) and lipitor (low dose). This has been largely successfull in reducing cholesterol in line with recommendations but triglycerides still above normal. Have tried diet and rigorous exercise to lose weight and keep to a low fat diet to support treatment but this proves difficult to sustain. Overall, with surgery and medication I am almost symptom free from IHD. Medication side effects are annoying - insomnia, slight muscle pain at times - but better than angina! Cholesterol con? - not really but 'a one size fits all' approach to medicine is far too simplistic for a multigene disease such as this.
katfish | 15/06/2007 04:45:00
I found out 6 years I had high cholesterol - when I had a heart attack. I was put on 10mg simvastatin (zocor). I have since been diagnosed with GERD. I find now that I am allergic to 98 of 99 meds and foods, pollens, etc. I do not have high blood pressure, but my pulse rate is astronomical and was put on medication for that. I have had back pain since 1974, but it has become increasingly worse. I now have osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease in back, legs and feet; osteoarthritis in hands and wrists; radiculopathy in both legs (with the left leg being the worst); osteopenia (thinning of the bones). I have trouble with coordination and balance and fall frequently. As far as my health problems, they are too numerous to list. Most days I feel too tired to do a lot of things I need to do and feel about 30 years older than I am. I am only 52!!
Ian531 | 18/06/2007 17:28:00
I foundn out about 18 months ago and my consultant told me that both the good and bad cholesterol were out of order. However, the good was quickly sorted out, but the bad took some more work and I was placed on Niaspan 1000 which was still on trial. I am pleased to say that, apart from hot flushes I have had no allergic reactions and, furthermore, the cholesterol has improved dramatically, the only problem was that I have to take 2 tablets each night and a different tablet each morning. I must point out that I have been warned not to take both at the same time as they will couteract, or interefere, with the way they each work, but, this is a small price to pay.
chocaholic | 20/06/2007 12:56:00
i have been able to control my cholesterol level by change of diet, keeping away from chocs, swets, buiscuits and cakes. it has been difficult but at the moment i do not need statins
Anne | 21/06/2007 19:43:00
On reading the above comments, it appears that everyone is on either Simvastatin or Atorvastin. I am on Pravastatin, has anyone had any side effects from this statin?
AUDREY | 17/07/2008 21:24:00
I AM ON SIMVASTATIN AND THE PAIN I HAVE IN MY LEGS AND RIGHT HIP IS UNBEARABLE. BESIDES OTHER AILMENTS. I AM FRIGHTENED TO COME OFF THE TABLETS AS MY DOCTOR MUST BE OBEYED. AND IS ALWAYS RIGHT. NEXT TIME I COME INTO THIS WORLD I WILL TRY TO BE A DOCTOR. I AM 77 YEARS AND FEMALE
i take lopid my friend told me to try red yeast rice tabs get them at a vitiam store but do not take them with statins
Linda | 04/11/2008 14:59:00
I am 32 yrs old i have been told i have had high cholestral levels over the last 2 yrs all my family were checked due to my mom being put on tablets for the same thing. I have always been able to control with a sensible diet. I have recently had blood tests which have shown an increase cholestral 5.8 but my hdl is 9. I am devastated i have been put on supralip 160mg would be very interested to know of any side effects and if it is possible if it comes back down is there a possibility to control by just diet or will i be reliant on tablets for my lifetime.
Linda | 02/12/2008 10:31:00
Above comments wrong its my tryglyceroids which are 9. They are suppose to be 1-2.
b.d. | 12/03/2009 20:46:00
THIS POST IS TO ANSWER ANNE'S OUESTION ABOUT SIDE EFFECTS WITH PRAVASTATIN. iN 2006 MY HUSBAND WAS ON 10 MG OF LIPITOR. HE IMMEDIATELY GOT LEG (CALF) CRAMPS AND AFTER 5 WEEKS DEVELOPED TOTAL E.D. HE WENT OFF THE LIPITOR AND THE DOCTOR WAS MAD, BUT WE WANTED TO TRY TO LOWER THE CHOLESTEROL BY DIET AND EXERCISE. AFTER A YEAR OF EATING BETTER AND A LITTLE INCREASE IN EXERCISE MY HUSBAND'S CHOLESTEROL WAS STILL HIGH-7.8 I THINK AND HIS CHOLESTEROL HAS BEEN HIGH EVER SINCE HE WAS 17 WHEN I FIRST MET HIM-HIS FATHER HAD A HEART ATTACK AT 39-A SMOKER AND HEAVY-BUT HE SURVIVED AND TO DATE HAS HAD A QUADRUPLE BYPASS AND A PACEMAKER. THE DOCTOR MADE A PRESCRIPTION FOR SIMVASTATIN IN LATE 2007 BUT MY HUSBAND NEVER FILLED AS HE HAD TROUBLE WITH LIPITOR PREVIOUSLY. HIS MOTHER ALSO WENT ON LIPITOR FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME AND HAD SEVERE LEG CRAMPS SO STOPPED-SHE HAS SINCE PASSED AWAY FROM CAUSES OTHER THAN HEART DISEASE. IN MARCH 2008 MY HUSBAND AGAIN HAD HIS CHOLESTEROL TESTED-THIS TIME ROUND 6.9 I THINK-AND THE DOCTOR CONVINCED HIM TO GO ON 40MG OF PRAVASTATIN. ANNE YOU ASKED ABOUT PRAVASTATIN-MY HUSBAND FELT TIRED AT THE START OF THIS STATIN-AGAIN IN 5 WEEKS DEVELOPED PARTIAL E.D. BUT WITHIN A YEAR HE HAD LOST HIS LIBIDO TOTALLY. HE HAD ALSO GOTTEN INCREASINGLY TIRED, MORE MUSCLE CRAMPS AND STARTED TO HAVE HEADACHES EVERY DAY WHICH HE NEVER HAD IN HIS LIFE BEFORE THE STATINS. THEN 3X HE SAID HE WAS DRIVING AND FOR A MOMENT FORGOT WHERE HE WAS GOING AND WHERE HE WAS-WHAT CITY TOO-AND THEN THANKFULLY HE QUICKLY REMEMBERED. HE ONLY TOLD ME ABOUT THE FORGETFUL DRIVING THE 3RD TIME AND I BECAME EVEN MORE WORRIED. I LOOKED UP STATIN SIDE EFFECTS ON THE INTERNET-AND FOUND THAT HIS FORGETFULNESS, E.D., COMPLETE LACK OF LIBIDO, MUSCLE PAINS, HEADACHES AND A CHANGE IN PERSONALITY -DEPRESSION - ANGRIER WERE ALL STATIN SIDE EFFECTS. I RESEARCHED STATIN ALTERNATIVES AND WE WENT TOGETHER TO THE DOCTOR. WE STATED TO THE DOCTOR HIS INCREASING SIDE EFFECTS AND STATED THAT TO ADVOID THIS HE COULD GO ON A CHOLESTYRAMINE CALLED QUESTOR WHICH WAS SAFELY USED LONG BEFORE STATINS CAME AROUND TO LOWER CHOLESTEROL AND A TYPE OF PRESCRIPTION NIACIN CALLED ENDURACIN WHICH CAUSES LESS FUSHING-RED FACE FOR 1 HOUR AFTER TAKING. THE DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY AGREED TO IMMEDIATELY STOPPING THE PRAVASTATIN AND SAID IN ONE WEEK MY HUSBAND COULD START THE QUESTRAN - BUT WE WOULD WAIT AND SEE ABOUT THE NIACIN IN A MONTH. AFTER 3 DAYS OFF OF THE PRAVASTATIN MY HUSBAND NO LONGER HAS E.D, HIS LIBIDO HAS RETURNED AND WE ARE HOPING THAT THE REST OF THE STATIN SIDE EFFECTS WILL FADE-HOPEFULLY. MY HUSBAND TOOK PRAVASTATIN FOR 1 YEAR AND I AM HOPING THAT HE WILL NOT BE HARMED LONG TERM. I FIGURE THAT MORE INFO ABOUT STATIN SIDE EFFECTS HAS GOTTEN THRU TO THE DOCTOR'S AS THIS TIME THE DOCTOR PUT UP NO FIGHT AS BEFORE HE SAID THAT MY HUSBAND MUST GO ON A STATIN. HOPEFULLY THE INFORMATION ABOUT STATIN SIDE EFFECTS WILL GET OUT AND PEOPLE WILL BE ABLE TO MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS ABOUT STATINS. IF YOU DO GO ON A STATIN TAKE CO ENZYME Q 10 WITH IT AS STATINS DEPLETE COENZYME Q 10 AND A LACK OF IT CAUSES MUSCLE DETERIORATION - HENSE THE LEG CRAMPS-BUT YOUR HEART IS ALSO A MUSCLE SO GOD ONLY KNOWS WHAT HAPPENS TO THAT. IF YOU DO HAVE TO GO ON A STATIN TRY FOR THE LOWEST DOSE POSSIBLE AND NOT SOME OF THE NEWER MORE STRONG STATINS. I KNOW THAT MY HUSBAND HAS VOWED TO NEVER GO ON A STATIN AGAIN AND WISHES THAT HE NEVER EVER HAD ANY-NOW HE WILL TAKE QUESTRN, FISH OIL, CO ENZYME Q 10, B COMPLEX VITAMINS, VITAMIN C , VITAMIN D, VITAMIN E AND OMEGA 3 OILS. I AM NOT A DOCTOR SO CHECK ANY MEDICAL CHANGES WITH YOU DOCTOR AS WE DID AS EVERYONE'S CONDITION DIFFERS. JUST PLEASE TRY TO MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION. THANKS AND GOOD HEALTH. B.D.
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